Among Russians has dramatically increased the number of interested in improving relations with the West. In November, the number of adherents of the policy of rapprochement reached 71%, according to the survey “Levada-Center”, referenced RBC.

This figure is close to the historical maximum in March 2000, when the rapprochement with the Western countries were 76% of Russians. The absolute minimum was recorded in July 2015 and 50% of respondents.

The current survey was conducted from 18 to 21 November on a representative nationwide sample of urban and rural population of 1.6 million people over the age of 18.

In parallel with the request of Russian rapprochement with the West, sociologists reported a decline in negative in Russian society in relation to the US and the EU. According to the survey, the number of Russians that are experiencing the negativity toward the United States declined for a few months by almost 10% – from 65% in January to 56% in November. Dynamics of attitudes to the EU from January improved by 4%.

A positive shift in the perception of the US sociologists associated with the rhetoric of some media, which indicate the possibility of warming relations between Russia and the States after the election of the President of the United States Donald trump. According to another survey , “Levada-Center”, published last week, the improvement of Russian-American relations after the election, trump’s waiting for more than half of Russians (54%).

Experts saythat the rise to power in the White house Donald trump gives the relations between Russia and the United States a new chance, but do not expect significant warming.

The desire of Russians to be friends with the West approached historic highs, the survey showed “Levada Center” 29.11.2016